I337UCUFNB1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM & I337_MK2toNB1_KeepRoot_OTA.zip

The following is not a root method in the "traditional" sense, e.g. Saferoot, Kingo. This is a workaround to our inability to root KitKat 4.4.2. However the end result is a Fully Functioning, 100% Stock, Rooted, NB1 Device. (See Post# 2 for "KeepRoot"OTA.zip Method). Proceed at Your Own Risk! (Thanks to @ted77usa @rebel1699 @Maribou @dave5777 @dolph8886 @Surge1223 @jeboo for discoveriing it was possible to downgrade from MK2 to NB1. Special thanks to @rebel1699 for figuring out how to flash a 4.4 SS Custom ROM on our device. Without them this workaround would not be possible).

**Note**: The process below has been proven to work without exception when the instructions are followed to the letter. Should you run into trouble please consider re-reviewing the instructions to identify your error before requesting assistance. Thank you.

Once complete the phone will apply an update to cache, then reboot and pause on the white AT&T splash screen for about 1-2 minutes before completely rebooting. Done!

- MK2 users can use Safestrap's Backup/Restore function to backup and restore User Data prior to and after flashing the ROM. Make sure and thank @loganfarrell for discovering this very useful feature.
- In general, to flash a different 4.4.2 Safestrap Custom ROM after flashing this ROM reboot into Safestrap recovery, perform an advanced wipe, and wipe everything but ext sdcard. Then flash the new ROM in the "Stock Slot" and reboot (Refer to the other ROM's dedicated thread for any additional requirements or for assistance. Please limit the discussion in this thread to the 100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM and the KeepRoot OTA zip).
- To go back to factory stock, un-rooted NB1 flash the NB1 4.4.2 Stock Odin .tar in the PDA slot in Odin(AP in Odin v3.09+).
- Those that never took the MK2 to NB1 update can return to factory stock MK2 by flashing the MK2 All-in-One Full Odin .tar in PDA slot in Odin(AP in Odin v3.09+).

Known Issue: MK2 bootloader users will experience a lockscreen settings issue. The issue can be resolved by flashing the FMLD_Bootloader in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+). You will still be able to revert back to factory stock MK2. Caution!: NB1 & NC1 bootloader users should not flash this file as it may hardbrick your phone.

I337UCUFNB1_100%_Stock_Rooted_TetherAddOn
Instructions:
1. After flashing and booting into I337UCUFNB1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM,
2. Place the AddOn in ext sdcard.
3. Reboot into Safestrap recovery and flash the AddOn in Stock Slot (Do Not Wipe Prior to Flashing)
4. Reboot. Done!

This alternative "Keep Root" method uses a modified version of the official MK2 to NB1 OTA Update.zip to upgrade while maintaining User Data and Root Access! The file is flashed in Safestrap and the end result is a 100% Stock, Rooted, NB1 Device. Proceed at your own risk! Thanks to @jeboo for giving me the idea to develop this method!

**Prerequisite**This method requires that your MK2 system is 100% stock except for root and Safestrap. The update will fail if any MK2 system files have been modified or deleted, e.g. thru Xposed, etc. You must first restore the stock files or reflash back to stock MK2 and re-root.

And here: I337_MK2toNB1_KeepRoot_OTAwBL.zip (This version contains the NB1 bootloader. MK2 bootloader users will not be able to go back to factory stock MK2 after flashing).

1. Place the I337UCUFNB1_MK2toNB1_KeepRoot_OTA.zip in the root of your ext sdcard.
2. Follow steps 2 - 3 fromPost# 1 to downgrade to MK2, root, and install the latest Safestrap-JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01.apk .
3. Boot into Safestrap recovery but Do Not Wipe!.
4. Flash the I337UCUFNB1_MK2toNB1_KeepRoot_OTA.zip in the "Stock Slot" and once complete press "Home" and reboot into "Download Mode".
5. Last, flash the I337_NB1_Stock_Kernel in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).

Once complete the phone will reboot to the white AT&T splash screen then "optimize apps" before completely rebooting. Done!

Known Issue: Safestrap.apk will force close after updating to 4.4.2 using this method, however Safestrap recovery will continue to function. Optional: to manually uninstall Safestrap recovery use Es File Explorer to delete system/etc/safestrap and system/bin/e2fsck then rename system/bin/e2fsck.bin to e2fsck (save these files if you wish to manually reinstall Safestrap at a later time).

I337UCUFNB1_100%_Stock_Rooted_TetherAddOnInstructions:
1. After flashing and booting into I337UCUFNB1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM,
2. Place the AddOn in ext sdcard.
3. Reboot into Safestrap recovery and flash the AddOn in Stock Slot (Do Not Wipe Prior to Flashing)
4. Reboot. Done!

@muniz_ri ur saying here to put the file in the PDA slot correct which mean using odin3 v 1.85 correct. If so that might be my problem in the past with this down grade method I used odin3 v 3.09 and flashed the pit and AP files from @ted77usa downgrade method. Do you think that could be my problem. And again thank you so much for all your help lately I know it has to be annoying but thank you so much for walking me through so much stuff because of you I feel very confident in doing this so thank you for all your help. Also thanks you to all the other dev's that I have been such a pain in the but to hahah

@muniz_ri ur saying here to put the file in the PDA slot correct which mean using odin3 v 1.85 correct. If so that might be my problem in the past with this down grade method I used odin3 v 3.09 and flashed the pit and AP files from @ted77usa downgrade method. Do you think that could be my problem. And again thank you so much for all your help lately I know it has to be annoying but thank you so much for walking me through so much stuff because of you I feel very confident in doing this so thank you for all your help. Also thanks you to all the other dev's that I have been such a pain in the but to hahah

No problem. I believe Odin changed the name of the PDA slot to AP in version 3.09. I use version 3.08 but whichever version you use you don't need to add the pit file. Just follow the above process to the letter and you should be fine. Good luck.

No problem. I believe Odin changed the name of the PDA slot to AP in version 3.09. I use version 3.08 but whichever version you use you don't need to add the pit file. Just follow the above process to the letter and you should be fine. Good luck.

No problem. I believe Odin changed the name of the PDA slot to AP in version 3.09. I use version 3.08 but whichever version you use you don't need to add the pit file. Just follow the above process to the letter and you should be fine. Good luck.

OK I will try again once I get home from work but I use 3.09 and 1.85 maybe I'll try it using 1.85.

thank you soo much for these steps. one question, I am already on mk2 so i dont need to downgrade. do i still follow the same instructions... and is there a specific folder in the sd external whr the file should b placed?

thank you soo much for these steps. one question, I am already on mk2 so i dont need to downgrade. do i still follow the same instructions... and is there a specific folder in the sd external whr the file should b placed?

You can skip step 2. Also, place the rom in the root of your ext sdcard. OP updated. Thanks

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